LOS ANGELES (AFP)
Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez has filed a $20 million lawsuit
against a former driver whom she claims threatened to spill her
secrets if she did not pay him $2.8 million, court records
showed.
Lopez, 42, maintains that Hakob Manoukian, who was in charge of
her security and transportation, engaged in extortion, attempted
extortion and conspiracy.
Manoukian, who started working for the star in 2005, has also
been clashing with her manager, Benny Medina, over alleged
contractual differences.
Lopez alleges that Manoukian wanted more money and additional
control of her security team. She is seeking $20 million in
damages, the documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court show.
"Manoukian plotted to retaliate against Ms. Lopez and her
management and to use his apparent position of trust to exploit
and extort substantial sums from Ms. Lopez," the lawsuit reads in
part.
"In the furtherance of this plot, he abruptly terminated his
employment with Ms. Lopez and began to threaten her" with
revealing "sensitive and personal information that he had
allegedly overheard while driving Ms. Lopez."
On July 13, Lopez announced she was quitting ratings-challenged
TV talent show "American Idol," a day after fellow judge Steven
Tyler announced his departure. She is also singing on tour with
co-headliner Enrique Iglesias.
